Children in Need 2025’s presenters have been fully unveiled in the official line-up ahead of the televised appeal show.
The previously announced Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay will be joined by TV hosts Mel Giedroyc and Rochelle Humes, rapper Big Zuu and actor Lenny Rush.
If any sextet can inspire the nation to put a collective hand in its pocket, it’s this lot.
Viewers are promised “heart and sparkle” by the BBC and sketches from The Apprentice and Gladiators are set to bring the laughs amidst the touching personal stories too.
There’ll be “big surprises from across the BBC” as well as challenges and appeal films “featuring the children and young people that Children in Need champions”.
Don’t forget the 16-strong BBC Children in Need Choir, either. A special arrangement of Coldplay’s Yellow – honouring mascot Pudsey’s fur – is planned for the night.
Children in Need 2025 presenters: Who is Big Zuu?
Grime star Big Zuu (real name Zuhair Hassan) is a 30-year-old Londoner known for all sorts; winning two BAFTA Awards for his work on Big Zuu’s Big Eats.
Fans of Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt will recognise him too. Through his Lebanese and Sierra Leonian heritage, he played for the World XI in Soccer Aid 2025. Big Zuu scored a dramatic winning goal for his team in a 5-4 victory over England.
“After studying youth work at university and working as a youth worker earlier in my career, I know how crucial it is for young people to have a trusted adult that they can talk to who believes in them,” he said about his upcoming role on Children in Need.
“So, joining the line-up to present the iconic BBC Children in Need is a dream come true. I love live television, and I promise to bring energy and something fresh to this year’s appeal night.”
Where have you seen Mel Giedroyc before?
From Surrey, Mel has been on our screens since the mid 1990s. Her earliest credits include French and Saunders and The Vicar of Dibley before she began working closely with fellow TV host, Sue Perkins. Between 2010 and 2016, they co-presented The Great British Bake Off.
Mel 57, has also guest-presented Have I Got News for You? on five occasions. She has a strong history with Children in Need after co-hosting in 2017 alongside Graham Norton and Ade Adepitan.
Speaking ahead of Children in Need, she said: “I am back for one of my favourite nights of the year. It’s an honour to be invited to host year after year for something that is so truly special and meaningful for every single person involved.
“I can’t wait to get going with the 2025 gang.”
Who is Children in Need’s Rochelle Humes?
Formerly known as one of pop group The Saturdays, Rochelle has since turned her attention to TV presenting.
Together with Ben Shephard and Chris Kamara, the 36-year-old previously hosted Ninja Warrior UK on ITV. Rochelle is also a relief presenter for ITV’s Lorraine and This Morning.
For the BBC, Rochelle and her husband Marvin Humes have fronted musical game show The Hit List since 2019.
The excited star shared: “Presenting BBC Children in Need is one of the biggest privileges of my job. I hope the audience is ready to be entertained, moved, inspired and most importantly, motivated to donate to Children in Need.”
Who is Lenny Rush?
At just the tender age of 16, Lenny has already become a real national sweetheart. The teenage actor played Tiny Tim in Steven Knight’s grim reimagining of A Christmas Carol, and he portrayed Murphy in kids’ show The Dumping Ground.
His other credits include Enola Holmes 2, Doctor Who and Am I Being Unreasonable? He’s also been involved with Children in Need since 2023.
“I am thrilled to be back for BBC Children in Need 2025 and feel so lucky to be able to present a show for a charity that means so much to so many people,” he said. “We promise to make it fun for all the family, so make sure you tune in!”
Words from Children in Need 2025 presenters Paddy and Vernon
When his inclusion in this year’s presenting line-up was originally revealed, TV favourite Paddy McGuinness reflected on the importance of the event.
“Every child deserves someone who shows up for them, and I can’t wait to get on stage to help lead the charge in encouraging people to give what they can to support the vital and urgent work this charity does,” noted the 52-year-old.
Paddy rode 300 miles on a chopper for charity in 2024, raising an enormous £10.5 million.
Fellow host Vernon Kay added: “I’m truly honoured to be a presenter for my second year on BBC Children in Need. The charity changes lives and knowing that what we are doing on stage is going to have a hugely positive effect on so many children is incredibly rewarding.”
When is Children in Need 2025?
Children in Need will air on Friday November 12, 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show will be three hours long and will feature comedy, music and surprise guests.
Aside from the presenters, the BBC is yet to reveal who will be appearing on the night. Expect plenty of singers, soap stars and telly favourites, though!
The 2024 edition of Children in Need live on BBC brought in an eye-watering £39,210,850 in donations.
Read more: BBC Children in Need 2025: The Celebrity Apprentice to return for a two-part Christmas special
